Pictured: Football captain's red-card rage as he climbs into the stands to attack a fan

When the red card was brandished during a fierce local football derby, a red mist descended on footballer Lee Whetter.

As the St Austell skipper left the pitch, he climbed into the grandstand and tackled jeering Newquay fans.

In scenes that recalled Eric Cantona's infamous assault on a Crystal Palace supporter 14 years ago, the 27-year-old barged his way through the crowd and grabbed hold of an opposing fan who had been laughing at him.

Whetter put supporter Mark Charles, 48, in a headlock before raining punches on the stunned victim.

The fan's friends then tried to pull him off and a mass brawl broke out involving up to 20 supporters - including a woman with a toddler.

A woman becomes involved in the melee as a second St Austell player steps in to try to calm things down

She said: 'I've never seen anything like this. Our baby is only nine-weeks-old and has been to every match since she was born.

'I felt really intimidated when he came over. I just wanted to get myself and my baby out of there.' The brawl was finally brought to an end when Newquay's centre-back Sam McKune diffused the situation in the Poltair Park ground.

Newquay manager Jim Hilton said: 'Our supporters are very vocal and we're all passionate about football.

'It was a cracking game and a cracking win but sadly it will all go by the wayside.'

South West peninsula league secretary Phil Hiscox the FA were investigating the fight.

He said: 'St Austell have been reported to Cornwall FA by the Referee, the County FA will presumably instigate charges and once those are issued it will be up to those accused to respond to those charges.'

St Austell police inspector Stuart Gibbons said that no complaint had been made to them by any individual but should they receive any relevant information they would make inquiries as appropriate.